Top five fun used cars for Christmas

A car purchase is often motivated by practical requirements, but if you don't have to lace up the sensible shoes of the car world this Christmas, why not buy something a little more athletic -- and fun?

You don't need to be a millionaire to buy a car that makes you smile every time you drive it either; for less than $30K you'll be able to get into something that looks great, handles well and with enough performance to make it all worth it.

While no doubt you could add many more to this list of cars that would make an excellent as a Christmas present to yourself, this is our pick of fun cars, from the almost factory-fresh sports cars to older high-performance models.

Find used Mazda MX-5s at carsales

The fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 arrived here in 2015. It’s a fun sports car for peanuts that also won’t break the bank to run. You not only get the mandatory sport car feature (for some, at least) of a drop top, but also get one that is incredibly nimble and engaging to drive.

Trust us, not until you get the chance to drive a Mazda MX-5 on the right road or track will you realise what all the fuss is about.

While the MX-5 is by no means gutless (0-100km/h is in the 7-8sec range), some may find it lacks the ultimate performance they crave, while the interior is a little short on quality and lacks storage and occupant space. For what it’s worth, the boot is tiny – but hey, you’re not the one going to be carting presents.

For $30K you will be able to get into a pre-2018 update MX-5 — either the 1.5-litre 96kW/150Nm naturally-aspirated four-cylinder or the 2.0-litre with 118kW/200Nm --also an atmo four. Both six-speed manuals and, if you must, six-speed autos are available.

Go for the better-featured GT grade over the base model if you can. The more rev-happy, slightly lighter 1.5-litre model is the purist’s pick but for a bit more power and torque there’s always the 2.0-litre.

Related reading:
Mazda MX-5 v Toyota 86 Comparison
In search of the One Millionth Mazda MX-5
Mazda MX-5 Roadster GT Video

Find used Toyota 86s at carsales
Find used Subaru BRZs at carsales

The Toyota 86, and its almost-identical cousin, the Subaru BRZ, are more value-laden sports cars, with a similar, minimalist approach as the Mazda MX-5.

The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ reward their drivers with an energetic, free-revving 152kW/209Nm 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated horizontally-opposed (boxer) four-cylinder engine and involving dynamics.

You have the choice of a six-speed auto or six-speed manual and an acceleration time is close to the same as the Mazda MX-5.

The 86/BRZ eases some practicality concerns over the two-seat roadsters here, being a four-seat coupe with some, if not generous, boot space. Note, however, the reats seats are tiny…

Like the MX-5, the 86/BRZ is not whip-quick and the interior feels a bit on the cheap side.

For $30K you will be able to afford a very fresh base-model 86 GT (possibly even a dealer demonstrator) while for the better-specced BRZ you’ll comfortably find a 2017 model under $30K.

Find used Porsche Boxsters at carsales 

No list of Christmas fun cars would be complete without a Porsche, but to get into one with our $30K budget you’ll be looking at a much older model than the rest of the options listed here.

The 987 Series, second generation Boxster provides open-top motoring in a high-quality package that not only has rewarding, balanced dynamics but a mid-mounted 176kW/270Nm 2.7-litre flat-six that is one of the sweetest engines in the business.

It’ll sprint to 100km/h from standstill in around 6sec and sound incredible while doing so.
For less than $30K you’ll be able to afford a base model 2.7 from 2005-07 in either manual or auto.

Unless an aftermarket unit is fitted, you won’t get features such as Bluetooth and even satnav was an expensive factory option.

More than any other car here, you’ll want to see a comprehensive service history and get a pre-purchase inspection. Although the Boxster’s mid-engine layout can make labour for major work like clutch replacement costly, basic maintenance shouldn’t run to much more than $1K a year.

Find used Volkswagen Golf Rs at carsales 

If you can’t quite justify the loss of practicality with a two-seater or 2+2 but still desire a performance car, ask Santa to stuff a Volkswagen Golf R 4MOTION in your stocking.

Here’s a sensible four-door, five-seat hatchback that goes like stink and is a joy to drive on a twisting ribbon of road. There’s even a wagon version offered.

The 206kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbo four is coupled with either a six-speed DSG or six-speed manual and instead of rear-drive like the other cars here, the Golf R has all-wheel drive for better grip for exiting corners and driving in the wet.

The R is fast getting off the line too, with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 5.0 sec for the DSG and 5.2sec for the manual.

The only downsides with the Golf R is that it doesn’t stand out as anything special (yet perhaps that’s exactly the subtlety you prefer) and it has a large turning circle.

While not quite up at Boxster 987 prices, extra-curricular servicing or repairs can become expensive.

Find used Nissan 370Zs at carsales 

The Nissan 370Z is the dark horse of this group, not really engaging buyers in the way that the MX-5 does or having anything like the sports car cachet of a Porsche. However, you’ll be treated to Z-Car nostalgia and a fast, responsive sports coupe or roadster that, despite first arriving in 2009, still looks fresh.

The 245kW/363Nm 3.7-litre V6 drives though a slick six-speed manual or seven-speed auto to the rear wheels. While there’s no offical times published, the 370Z is one of the fastest accelerating cars here, with reports of around a 5sec 0-100km/h time.

The 370Z is tight up front for taller types and it’s strictly a two-seater. The boot space is shallow.

While the Nissan is almost as old as the Boxster 987 in terms of its release date, you can certainly afford a much fresher one with $30K in your pocket. For your spend you should be able to buy a circa 2014 model coupe or roadster.